Need advice for kid's activities...

[Marek 4]

Since this will be our first trip this Dec with kids, I was wondering about special things to do with the kids while at WDW and FW. I definitely am sold on the Backyard BBQ and MVMCP after reading posts on the camping board. But I am thinking that when we were last there BK (before kids) that there was something neat to do at Epcot at the different countries - maybe it had to do with a special passport book that they get stamped at each country or pins to collect for their jackets. Does anyone have any information on this? Also, are there special autograph books that you can purchase ahead of time or once on-site for the trip? Any other fun stuff to do/learn that I have missed? My daughters will be 5 and 8 by December.

 

[VACAMPER]

I had disney gift baskets delivered to my kids upon checkin. That had mouse ears, autograph books, pens & candy. It was a great way to start off the vacation and they used the autograph books all week. $30.00 a basket.

There are kidkot stations in every country where kids can make a craft. They can also purchase the passports and have them stamped in every country.

 

[Marek 4]

Did you order the gift baskets from WDW ahead of time? Who did you call? That would be SOOOOO exciting to see their faces after receiving a gift basket!!!

Thanks for the Kidcot info. If there anywhere I can read up on the process?

 

[VACAMPER]

I ordered them from the wdwflorist.com order by phone they don't charge as much for delivery. I paid $9.95(one time fee) for all five baskest. online they were going to charge $20.00 per basket. $90.00 savings.

I think you can learn more about the kidcot on the disney website moms panel. I would also search others forums on this board.

 

[seabee]

I love that basket idea! Did they give them to the kids at the Outpost during check in or were they delivered to your camper?

 

[VACAMPER]

They gave them to us at checkin because our site wasn't ready but, when i ordered them they said they would work with you on how and when you would like them delivered.

 

[Us3]

As far as FW goes....there are lots of activities for the kids....pony rides, fishing, playgrounds, swimming, organized activities by the pool, bike rides etc etc. FW is such a great place for the kids unwind after being in the parks (adults too ) You have the pirate cruise, kids cooking and Alice Tea Party at GF. There is a kids fishing excursion from several resorts including FW. You can rent the water mice (now called Sea Racers i think) at the marina at FW. The kids would love that...one could go with each adult.

Have fun! What a great time for you guys to go!

 

[sanilacjack]

Jumping in with a quick Q

Do they still do the hayride?
My kids would love that.
Kim

 

[Us3]

They do...twice most evenings. Also, there are horse drawn carriage rides too! Evenings near Crocketts Tavern are busy, but fun. We enjoyed parking the cart and having a drink on the porch while taking it all in.

 

[happy_redhead]

We sent our boys on the Pirate Adventure from the Grand Floridian. It's a 2 hour treasure hunt around 7 Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. The cast members were great, I had no problem sending DSs 10 and 8 with out us.

They had a blast!

 

[sanilacjack]

They do...twice most evenings. Also, there are horse drawn carriage rides too! Evenings near Crocketts Tavern are busy, but fun. We enjoyed parking the cart and having a drink on the porch while taking it all in.

We have already done the carriage ride. The kids liked it but thought we would try something different this time.
Thanks you the info


KIM

 

[ajcolorado]

You know about the Campfire Sing-Along & outdoor movie, right?

The Kidcot stations at Epcot were fun for my girls. We also enjoyed the live entertainment offered at the pavilions. Here's a good article on Epcot with kids: http://www.buildabettermousetrip.com/article-epcot-with-young-children.html

Our family always tries to book dinner at Boma - over at the Animal Kingdom Lodge (resort hotel) - because the Lodge is beautiful and we love seeing the animals. Some friends just came back and felt that the food at Boma was not as good as in years past. The resort has a firepit and they will often have a talk or a storyteller in the evenings. You'll want to call for the times.


Do you know about the Electric Water Pageant? It is a floating nighttime parade. See: http://allearsnet.com/tp/ewp.htm

 

[Marek 4]

Thank you for all of the wonderful information!

 

[Marek 4]

Well, tickets went on sale May 1st for MVMCP and I was absolutely shocked about the price...for a family of 4 it totals $211.78-without tax- for 5 hours at the MK. My girls are young, so I doubt we make it past 10pm. So that makes 3 hours at the MK. And then I started thinking, won't they have some extended hours EMH that would happen at some point over our vacation that is already included in our package price? Maybe I am being too frugal, but that just sounds like alot of extra money for a few hours of fun. That would be 4 days of golf cart rental!

Any thoughts from the seasoned pros?

 

[BigDaddyRog]

It IS steep...Ive never taken my family to the cool, private functions like that because with that kinda dough....we could go to a water park for an entire day, or sea world, or souvenere shopping, or pay for a little of the credit card bill for the vacation expenses........Id never knock the "closed to the public" events, because you guys make them sound phenomenal, and I know, Disney usually gives you your moneys worth....but its just not in my budget.

 

[merky]

whats the date you will be going? We will be there Dec . 17 thru Dec . 22 and it's my understanding from reading the boards that after the last MVMCP which is Dec. 19 that you will be able to view the MVMCP parade and the fireworks at MK as part of the daily attractions for free.

 

[Marek 4]

whats the date you will be going? We will be there Dec . 17 thru Dec . 22 and it's my understanding from reading the boards that after the last MVMCP which is Dec. 19 that you will be able to view the MVMCP parade and the fireworks at MK as part of the daily attractions for free.

Dec 14-21

 

[PolynesianPixie]

Well, tickets went on sale May 1st for MVMCP and I was absolutely shocked about the price...for a family of 4 it totals $211.78-without tax- for 5 hours at the MK. My girls are young, so I doubt we make it past 10pm. So that makes 3 hours at the MK. And then I started thinking, won't they have some extended hours EMH that would happen at some point over our vacation that is already included in our package price? Maybe I am being too frugal, but that just sounds like alot of extra money for a few hours of fun. That would be 4 days of golf cart rental!

Any thoughts from the seasoned pros?

When we did it, we went on a non-park day. We stayed a week, but only had 2 day park hoppers, plus the MVMCP tix. With the party passes, you are allowed in the gates at 4pm, even though the party doesn't technically begin until 7. We did an early dinner at Whispering Canyon and took the boat over just in time.

If your kids are very young, some of the appeal may be lost on them. It is mainly new parades, dance parties, character meet and greets (including Santa), shows, etc. If they are more interested in the rides, then the party may be a waste at this point. I'm not knocking the party~I absolutely loved it! But my girls are old enough to enjoy the parades, "snow" in Florida and especially the hot chocolate and cookies! You know your family and what they will enjoy the most.

 

[merky]

Dec 14-21

looks like the 20th and 21 you will be able to view the
(Christmas & fireworks) for free if they do the same this year as last , we will not be purchasing the tickets in advance we did the MNSSHP last Oct and had terrible rain /weather the year before we did the same and it was great but for the money we will wait and see if we want to go / or if its bad weather or if we want to spend the money on something else. I do know there is a chance we wont get tickets if we decide to go.